High Rates Of Poverty Sierra Leone Essay - 1161 Words

Following the end of a decade-long Civil War in 2002, the West African country of the Republic of Sierra Leone began a period of rebuilding, which has only been slowed by the recent Ebola epidemic. The total population of Sierra Leone hovers around 6,453,000, with about 1,004,000 of these children under five years old. The majority population is poor, with a GDP per capita at 1,600 USD, which ranks them in place 214 when compared globally. According to a 2004 estimate, 70.2% of the population is below the poverty line. Although Sierra Leone as country is fairly resource-rich, with resources including mining for diamonds and bauxite, â€Å"nearly half of the working-age population engages in subsistence agriculture. † High rates of poverty can place a significant burden on the health of a country. In the following situation brief, topics including burden of disease, key determinants of health, and analysis of equity will be discussed in order to assess the state of health in Sierra Leone. Burden of Disease Summary: In Sierra Leone, the life expectancy at birth is 56.5 years for men, and 57.7 years for women . Although these statistics are low when compared the global average of 71.4 years and countries in the region like Liberia with an average life expectancy of 63.2 years , the average life expectancy in Sierra Leone has increased 5.5 years since 1990 . However, overall, the life expectancy at birth is much lower than global averages. The most significant cause of death inShow MoreRelatedThe Economic Problems of Sierra Leone Essay1693 Words   |  7 PagesSierra Leone or the Republic of Sierra Leone is West African country that borders to the north and east with Guinea, to the southeast with Liberia, and to the west and southwest with Atlantic Ocean. It is a beautiful country with white sand beaches, orange and coconut trees all around, and people of good hearts; however Sierra Leone or Sa Lone in its native language, Krio, has been underdeveloped and was struggling for many years to gain its independence as a British Colony. Even thou, now SierraRead MorePoverty Is A Global Concern And Its Eradication1376 Words   |  6 Pages Poverty is a global concern and its eradication is becoming surmountable. This is primarily due to the challenges posed by international and national causes respectively. Besides, the complexity of the phenomenon has not lend itself to be easily eradicated. Little wonder the world continues to struggle to eradicate poverty. Africa is one of the poorest countries on the universe and research and data show that Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in Sub-Sahara (UNDP, 2015). 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Its citizens generally favor Western Medicine. Unfortunately the country faces overpopulation, and is overcrowded in some cities. Egypt- The Nation of Egypt is poor with a lower-middle income rate. The nationRead MoreEbola Epidemic : Interactions Throughout Culture, Biology And Ecology1593 Words   |  7 Pagesresponsibility and blame. (Wilson, 2015, 4) Ebola was unique, as it did not meet the criteria for inclusion onto most major development agendas; (Wilson, 2015, 15) the burden of the disease globally was relatively small, but research costs were so high. Since it emerges sporadically and unpredictably, funders doubted the efficacy of Ebola prevention. (Wilson, 2015, 15) It could not be classified as a bioweapon, and thus ignored by state security. 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These papers would be published and submitted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or World Bank every few years detailing where a country has come from and its strategy in the short or medium term to reach poverty reduction goals. The PRSP goals for both countries are aligned with the MDGs. However, although Liberia and Sierra Leone had similar health objectives in their PRSPs, the outcomes forRead MoreAn Analysis of the Movie, Blood Diamond Essay1197 Words   |  5 PagesThe movie Blood Diamond was released in 2006 and featured Leonardo Di Caprio as an arms smuggler whose main goal is to obtain a seemingly priceless diamond from a villager during the civil war in Sierra Leone. The film, although it has been called mild in comparison to reality, depicts the brutality that inhabitants of diamond villages were subjected to. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, and won numerous other awards. The film marker is trying to raise awareness of the illicitRead MoreHuman Services During Contemporary America1732 Words   |  7 PagesThis: coming home to place where there aren’t any lights, water and probably no meal for the day. According to Human Services in Contemporary America poverty is the main reason why many babies don’t make it to see adulthood and why clean water and sanitation are not provided. It is the underlying cause of reduced life expectancy, and disability. Poverty is a major contributor to malnutrition, stress, divorces of a family and abuse (Schmolling). Many are at a disadvantage depending on where, how, andRead MoreSub-Saharan Africa Essay2751 Words   |  12 Pagespostcolonial era giving rise to the fact that almost half of the world’s failing states are located here. 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Motorcycle Helmet Usage Free Essays

The use of helmets in the United States is a highly controversial topic. The government has enacted and then repealed laws intended to uphold state helmet laws twice. Currently, regulation laws vary state to state. We will write a custom essay sample on Motorcycle Helmet Usage or any similar topic only for you Order Now Twenty states have comprehensive helmet laws. Seven states require riders under the age of twenty to wear a helmet, while 19 states require riders under the age of eighteen to wear one. Only three states, Colorado, Illinois, and Iowa, have no helmet regulation whatsoever. Motorcyclists protest their personal freedom, while others complain about the tax burden and higher insurance rates. Motorcycles account for less than 2% of all registered vehicles in the United States and 0.4% of all vehicle miles traveled. Unfortunately, riders account for more than 9% of all traffic deaths. Over the past ten years motorcycle related deaths have increased by about 89%. The motorcycle is both the most fuel efficient and the most hazardous highway vehicle there is. More than 2,500 motorcycle riders die in the United States each year, and over 60,000 are injured as a result of an accident. In general, riders and non riders seem to agree that it is obvious that a helmet can reduce the chance of brain injury and death. However, some believe helmets are more likely to cause an accident in the first place. Helmets limit hearing and peripheral vision capabilities which make it difficult for riders to be fully aware of what’s going on around them. The weight of the helmet, combined with hot weather can cause a sense of claustrophobia resulting in anxiety and dizziness. It is likely in these types of situations there is an increase in the chance of an accident. It is also possible to become paralyzed because of a helmet during a crash, under the right circumstances. This leaves some riders to believe there are similar risks whether they wear a helmet or not and they should be able to choose between to two. Some riders simply feel that helmets are uncomfortable and bulky, and it should be their own decision whether or not they want to wear one. And to others, they perceive the use of a helmet as â€Å"uncool†, which is enough justification for them. Contrary to some beliefs, a study by the National Public Services Research Institute concluded that the use of a motorcycle helmet does not interfere with the driver’s capability to hear or see what is going on around them.  Data collected by the National Highway Traffic Administration regarding motorcycle accidents in states where there is only a helmet law for minors indicates this type of helmet law is more difficult to enforce. The data showed that less that 40% of minors killed in crashes were wearing helmets, even though it was required by law. When a catastrophic accident has occurred, the financial burden is usually placed upon private insurers or the state. So in a state where there are multiple head injuries due to motorcycle accidents which require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, tax payers and others who carry insurance are financially affected. As a result, a number of people do support enforcing the helmet regulation laws since they feel directly impacted. The Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) conducted an analysis of three states with the universal helmet laws and three states without. The inpatient charges for brain injury were double the cost in the states without the universal helmet laws. Numerous studies have concluded that motorcycle crash victims who were not wearing helmets are less likely to have insurance than crash victims who were wearing helmets. Others are less concerned with the financial burden, and more concerned with the psychological impact of witnessing a gruesome disaster, or having a friend or family member die in such a manner. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA) head injury is the number one cause of death in motorcycle accidents. A survey conducted in 1998 concluded that 46% of fatally injured motorcyclists were not wearing helmets. The NHTSA estimates that helmets diminish the possibility of death by 29% in a crash. In 1989, six states enacted a law requiring the use of helmets. All six have seen a reduction in deaths from motorcycle accidents since then. In 1980, motorcycle rider fatalities reached a record high of 5,144. By 1990 the numbers had decreased to 3,244. For the year of 1997 there were only 2,116, an all time low.  Other research indicates that helmet laws significantly decreases fatality rates, saves taxpayer’s money, decreases money lost due to missed work, and reduces the severity of head injuries. A study carried out in California showed that during the first four years after the elimination of the federal sanctions, motorcycle deaths increased by 61% while motorcycle registration increased only by 15%. In Hawaii, research conducted by the Department of Transportation showed that motorcyclists are three times more probable to suffer a traumatic brain injury as a result of a motorcycle crash.  The accuracy of statistical information is questionable. It has shown to be difficult to retrieve financial and medical information due to privacy rights and a lack of data. More information has been successfully collected from surviving crash victims than ones who did not survive. There may also be other contributing factors to these accidents besides the fact they weren’t wearing helmets. Different weather and the length of the riding season can have a significant impact on the varying statistics. Other alternatives to reducing the number of fatalities have been suggested. Riders tend to be more supportive of raising safety awareness and mandating education before obtaining a license, since it is common for motorcyclists to learn to ride without any type of education.  In Japan, the new motorcycle riders may start off with the smallest sized motorcycle, and after a set amount of time they are allowed to graduate to a larger motorcycle. If similar regulations were mandated in the United Sates, the number of fatalities could decrease without helmet laws. Some place the blame on inattentive automobile drivers. It is common to see automobile drivers talking on their cell phone, eating, drinking, etc. Distracted drivers are less likely to use blinkers and potentially more likely to hit a motorcyclist they did not notice previously. An emphasis on defensive driving because of these types of disasters in driver education could help promote safety and reduce motorcycle-related injuries. Small incentives could help promote the use of motorcycle helmets, rather than a mandatory law. For example, a reduction in the cost of motorcycle insurance for wearing a helmet might be beneficial. Some motorcycle stores have been known to give away free helmets, or offer to install free two-way communicators in them in hopes to encourage the use of helmets. While the majority of the public seems to support a mandatory helmet law, the majority of actual motorcycle riders support freedom of choice. There are good arguments supporting both sides. This is a highly debatable topic similar to one’s right to risk dying of lung cancer because they choose to smoke. It is highly unlikely a compromise will be made that is deemed reasonable by both sides. Works Cited Department of Motor Vehicles. Helmets: A Matter of Choice? 5 December 2006   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/motorcycle-chouces.php SMS Research Marketing Services, Inc. March 2004. Motorcycle Helmets   Ã‚   Integration Report. 5 December 2006.    http://www.hawaii.gov/dot/publicaffairs/safecommunities/reports/motorcyclehelm  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   ets/motorcycle-intergration.pdf SMS Research Marketing Services, Inc. January 2004. Executive Highlights. 6   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   December 2006.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.hawaii.gov/dot/publicaffairs/safecommunities/reports/motorcyclehelm  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   ets/motorcycle-focusgroups.pdf    How to cite Motorcycle Helmet Usage, Essay examples

Tools for Complex Projects-Free-Samples-Myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Complex Projects. Answer: Introduction Project process planning and control in most situations sees engineering encountering complication while managing a project. Any seasoned engineer will know that every project carries with it an 80% chance of encountering a complexity. The complexity is likely to slow a project and require the engineers to develop innovative approaches, solutions, and tools to resolve the problem (Pollack and Remington 2012). For a seasoned engineer, this is what makes the engineering profession thrilling, since you are always encountering hurdles and developing solutions to resolve them delivers true satifaction. Definition of Complex Projects A Complex project is any process, procedure or project which encounters a complication or hurdle making is difficult to execute and complete. The nature, size or type of project does not limit it from being a complex project and complex projects can be found right from ones home to multimillion civil and mechanical engineering projects (Thamhain, 2013). The secret behind these projects is being able to anticipate and resolve the problems without encountering serious delays or even halting the entire project. To understand the versatility of a complex projects two examples shall be discussed below which a better understanding will related to the definitions of complex projects. Household Complex Project Terrace Leaks Many top floor apartments will begin experiencing water seepage and leaks as the building grows older. This is directly related to the roof slab developing cracks over time which allows water to seep into the apartment. Sadly many apartment owners will face major complications related to stopping this water seepage and this will have a direct negative effect on the property value. The situation is even worse if the water seepage finds its way in to the electrical wiring pipes can cause shot circuits within the terrace (Vokey, 2012). Removal of the terrace is not an option and laying additional layers of concrete is not effective resulting in a complex and unresolvable problem for the home owner. Complex Industrial Projects Oil and gas have become a basic energy source most people depend on globally. To reduce and lower transportation costs oil companies lay under-water pipelines to transport the oil and gas. Earthquakes and other natural forces will sometimes damage the pipeline resulting in a serious problem. These are classified as being among the most complex industrial projects due to the nature and location of the pipelines which need maintaince (Wang, Cao, Luan and Zhang 2008). Engineers are forced to work under water using specializes tools and will face serious limitations which hamper the projects. Mapping Project Complexity Complex project surround us in our daily lives making it important to be prepared for such incidents and retain an open and cool mind towards resolving the complication. Only by remaining open minded towards the projects complications can any individual or engineer be able to devise solutions to the problem. Once a problem has been encountered the first step linked to finding a solution is mapping the problem and its complexity. This allows the engineer to understand the extent of the problem thus allowing them to consider approaches to resolve the problem. Mapping the complexity is critical towards understanding the problem and tracing it back to its origin or cause (Gransberg, Shane, Strong and Puerto 2012). This is important as is helps resolve the problem from its source thus preventing such a problem from developing again in future. For an engineer simply replacing a broken part is not the solution but understanding why the part was compromised in the first place allows the engi neer to first resolve the trigger than replacing the broken part which ensures smooth and undisturbed operations. Always look beyond the broken part to understand what causes the part to break in the first place. In some situations, this could be directed identifiable and in other situation requires additional intuition but this is the train a project engineer must have to tackle complex projects and achieve success. Complex Project Tool Development Every project will require certain tools to be used on the project making it important for the engineer to know all available tools so and how they are used so as to utilize them on a project. Tools used on projects are not necessarily limited to hardware used on the project but also include computers, software, robots and another specialized tool (Brinkkemper 1996) An engineer should be able to understand the problem and request for or design a tool to be used on the complex project. Analysis of the Problem The first steel linked to complex project tool development is being able to understand the problem and its causes. This requires the engineer to analysis and studies the problem closely and devises an approach linked to resolving it. Tool Design and Development The Tool development process involved the designing of a new tool or redesigning of existing tools to fix the problem. This could involve using conventional tools, computers as well as robots to handle a scenario (Selby, Treffinger, Isaksen, and Lauer, 2004) There is no limitation related to complex project tool development but in most situations, this tool will be a prototype which would continue being used on the project. Tool Redesign and Refinement Over time the tool will also continue to be redesigned and modified to improve its performance and ability to resolve even more complex problem scenario which may be encounter on the project. Most projects are long terms thus the tools used for each project will continue being utilized throughout the duration of the project. Staff and Engineer Tool Use Training Projects which have long term duration will also require the senior engineer to train staff on how to use the tools developed specifically for the project. This frees the engineer to focus on other areas of the project which may require his attention and would allow the staff and personnel to utilize the tool to resolve the complex problems they encounter on the project. Project problems are only classified as complex when they are new, recurring because not identified and no permanent solution identified (Corbridge, Rugg, Major, Shadbolt and Burton 1994). Once solutions and tools have been designed and developed to resolve the complex problem the issues are classified as just a problem since a solution to resolve it has been identified. Conclusion Process Planning, Control, and effective management require for every engineer to analysis a problem without focusing on its complexity so as to develop an effective solution to the problem. Every project is expected to experience some major complication which would require for tools to be developed to resolve the complex problem. Having the knowledge and experience to utilize computers, software and existing hardware to develop tools to resolve the complex problem are what certifies engineers as a qualified, experienced and capable professional capable of handling even complex projects. References Corbridge, C., Rugg, G., Major, N.P., Shadbolt, N.R. and Burton, A.M., 1994. Laddering: technique and tool use in knowledge acquisition. Knowledge Acquisition, 6(3), pp.315-341. Pollack, J. and Remington, K., 2012. Tools for complex projects. Gower Publishing, Ltd.. Selby, E.C., Treffinger, D.J., Isaksen, S.G. and Lauer, K.J., 2004. Defining and Assessing Problem?Solving Style: Design and Development of a New Tool. The Journal of Creative Behavior, 38(4), pp.221-243. Thamhain, H., 2013. Managing risks in complex projects. Project Management Journal, 44(2), pp.20-35. Vokey, D.E., Detec Systems Llc, 2012. Method and apparatus to detect and locate roof leaks. U.S. Patent 8,319,508. Wang, Z., Cao, Q., Luan, N. and Zhang, L., 2008, April. Development of new pipeline maintenance system for repairing early-built offshore oil pipelines. In Industrial Technology, 2008. ICIT 2008. IEEE International Conference on (pp. 1-6). IEEE.